his head World Health Organization urged countries to undertake the reforms needed to prepare for the next pandemic and fulfill previous commitments to increase funding for this United Nations agency.

Speaking at the WHO annual assembly in Geneva from 21 to 30 May, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said now is the time to speed up negotiations aimed at preventing the next pandemic.

“We can’t put it off,” he said, warning that the next pandemic “is bound to knock on the door.”

“If we don’t make the necessary changes, then who will?” And if we don’t do them now, then when?” he said.

The ten-day WHO Assembly is timed to coincide with the 75th anniversary of its founding and will discuss global health issues, including future pandemics.

The 194 member countries are negotiating reforms of the binding rules defining their obligations in the event of an international health threat and are working on a broader pandemic treaty, which is expected to be ratified next year.

“This generation’s commitment to the pandemic agreement is important because this generation has tried how cool can a little virus beTedros said.

Member countries will discuss the WHO budget for 2024–2025 later in the day, which includes an increase in countries’ annual contributions.

The World Health Organization has not invited Taiwan to attend the organization’s annual assembly, despite Taipei pushing for growing support for its participation.

The annual assembly decided today not to extend an invitation to Taiwan to participate, succumbing to pressure from China and Pakistan. The Marshall Islands and Eswatini were in favor of Taiwan’s participation.

Source: APE-Reuters.